Name: Crock Pot Bang Bang Chicken: 6-Hour Flavor Explosion
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 45 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts; 1 medium onion, diced; 6 to 7 cloves garlic, minced; 1 14-ounce can coconut milk; 1.5 cups sweet Thai chili sauce; 0.5 cup soy sauce; 3 to 4 tablespoons sriracha; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1.5 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped; cooked Jasmine rice (optional, for serving); more sriracha (optional, for more heat); lemon wedges (optional, for serving); chopped peanuts (optional, for serving); sesame seeds (optional, for serving)

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Crock Pot Bang Bang Chicken is a flavorful, effortless dish that combines sweet Thai chili and creamy coconut milk for a delightful meal. The aromas wafting through your kitchen will draw everyone in, and the taste will leave them asking for more. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or entertaining friends, this dish delivers on every front. Let’s dive into this easy-to-make recipe that promises to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Bang Bang

This Slow Cooker Bang Bang Chicken is not just delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. Here are a few reasons to love it:

Effortless cooking: Simply throw everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
Flavorful and rich: The combination of coconut milk and sweet Thai chili sauce creates a mouthwatering flavor profile.
Versatile: You can easily switch the protein to make Crock Pot Bang Bang Shrimp or even a vegetarian version.
Perfect for meal prep: Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week for quick lunches or dinners.
Gluten-free option: This dish caters to those with dietary restrictions.
Family-friendly: The combination of sweet and spicy flavors appeals to both adults and kids.

Ingredients for Crock Pot Bang Bang

Gather these items:

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
1 medium onion, diced
6 to 7 cloves garlic, minced
1 14-ounce can coconut milk
1.5 cups sweet Thai chili sauce
0.5 cup soy sauce
3 to 4 tablespoons sriracha
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1.5 tablespoons cornstarch
1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
cooked Jasmine rice (optional, for serving)
more sriracha (optional, for more heat)
lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
chopped peanuts (optional, for serving)
sesame seeds (optional, for serving)

How to Make Crock Pot Bang Bang Step-by-Step

Step 1: Layer the chicken, diced onion, minced garlic, kosher salt, and pepper in the slow cooker. Press down gently for even cooking.
Step 2: In a separate bowl, mix the coconut milk, sweet Thai chili sauce, soy sauce, sriracha, and lemon juice until well combined.
Step 3: Pour the sauce over the chicken mixture in the slow cooker, ensuring the chicken is well-coated. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
Step 4: About 30 minutes before serving, take out 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid and mix with cornstarch. Pour back into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.
Step 5: Once cooked, shred the chicken in the slow cooker and stir in chopped cilantro. Increase heat to high for the final 30 minutes.
Step 6: Serve the Bang Bang Chicken over Jasmine rice and garnish with cilantro, sriracha, lemon wedges, chopped peanuts, or sesame seeds.

Crock Pot Bang Bang Chicken: 6-Hour Flavor Explosion - Crock Pot Bang Bang - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Perfect Crock Pot Bang Bang

Keep these in mind:

Use chicken thighs for extra tenderness and flavor.
Adjust sriracha based on your heat preference.
For a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch gradually.

Best Ways to Serve Crock Pot Bang Bang

Try serving this flavorful meal in a few different ways:

Over a bed of cooked Jasmine rice for a hearty meal.
In lettuce wraps for a light, fresh appetizer or main dish.
As a filling for tacos topped with crunchy vegetables.

How to Store and Reheat Crock Pot Bang Bang

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. This makes for a quick Quick Bang Bang Dinner in a Crock Pot when you’re short on time!

Frequently Asked Questions About Crock Pot Bang Bang

What’s the secret to perfect Crock Pot Bang Bang?

The secret lies in the right balance of flavors. Using fresh ingredients and adjusting the sriracha can create your perfect spicy profile. Experiment with different proteins like shrimp for a Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe for Slow Cooker.

Can I make Crock Pot Bang Bang ahead of time?

Yes! This dish can be made a day in advance. Just reheat it gently before serving to keep the flavors fresh and vibrant.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Crock Pot Bang Bang?

To avoid dryness, do not overcook the chicken. Ensure there’s enough sauce to keep the chicken moist throughout the cooking process.

Crock Pot Bang Bang Chicken: 6-Hour Flavor Explosion - Crock Pot Bang Bang - additional detail

Variations of Crock Pot Bang Bang You Can Try

Here are some exciting variations:

For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with chickpeas and add extra veggies.
Make a Bang Bang Chicken Slow Cooker Meal with vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli included.
Try Bang Bang Shrimp Slow Cooker for a seafood twist.

For more information on the health benefits of coconut milk, check out this Healthline article.

For tips on meal prepping, visit EatingWell’s meal prep guide.

For a deeper dive into Thai cuisine, explore this Spruce Eats overview.